Rice Stadium turns 60

September 27, 2010 12:00 AM

Photo: Christobal Perez/Chronicle

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Ground was broken for Rice Stadium in February 1950. On Sept. 30, 1950, it hosted its first game, with Rice beating Santa Clara, 27-7. Seen from above on Sept. 24, 2008, the stadium has built a rich résumé of high school, college and pro football, as well as presidential speeches, ceremonies, concerts and more. less

Ground was broken for Rice Stadium in February 1950. On Sept. 30, 1950, it hosted its first game, with Rice beating Santa Clara, 27-7. Seen from above on Sept. 24, 2008, the stadium has built a rich ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Chronicle

Ground was broken for Rice Stadium in February 1950. On Sept. 30,... Photo-1240283.17616 - Houston Chronicle

In his speech at the stadium, President Kennedy issued his challenge to put a man on the moon, saying "We do not intend to stay behind in space."

In his speech at the stadium, President Kennedy issued his challenge to put a man on the moon, saying "We do not intend to stay behind in space."

Photo: Ted Rozumalski, Chronicle

In his speech at the stadium, President Kennedy issued his... Photo-1240288.17616 - Houston Chronicle

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In his speech, President Kennedy said the U.S. is headed for the moon. "Why, some say, the moon?" Kennedy said. "Why climb the highest mountain? Why does Rice play Texas?"

In his speech, President Kennedy said the U.S. is headed for the moon. "Why, some say, the moon?" Kennedy said. "Why climb the highest mountain? Why does Rice play Texas?"

Photo: Chronicle

In his speech, President Kennedy said the U.S. is headed for the... Photo-1240289.17616 - Houston Chronicle

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Wide receiver Jarett Dillard, left, and quarterback Chase Clement at Rice Stadium on Aug. 2, 2008. That year, Dillard caught 87 passes, 20 of them for touchdowns and Clement threw for 4,119 yards and 44 scores, leading the Owls to a 10-3 season and a win in the Texas Bowl over Western Michigan. less

Wide receiver Jarett Dillard hauls in the third of his three touchdown catches in the Nov. 25, 2006, win over SMU.

Wide receiver Jarett Dillard hauls in the third of his three touchdown catches in the Nov. 25, 2006, win over SMU.

Photo: Steve Ueckert, Chronicle

Wide receiver Jarett Dillard hauls in the third of his three... Photo-1240293.17616 - Houston Chronicle

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In a bad day for the home team, UH quarterback Andre Ware is carried off the Rice Stadium turf by his teammates after a 64-0 Cougars' victory on Dec. 2, 1989. Shortly after the game, he was named winner of the Heisman Trophy. less

In a bad day for the home team, UH quarterback Andre Ware is carried off the Rice Stadium turf by his teammates after a 64-0 Cougars' victory on Dec. 2, 1989. Shortly after the game, he was named winner of the ... more

Photo: Chronicle

In a bad day for the home team, UH quarterback Andre Ware is... Photo-1240294.17616 - Houston Chronicle

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Shortly after the win at Rice, UH quarterback Andre Ware raised his hands in celebration as he was named winner of the Heisman Trophy.

Shortly after the win at Rice, UH quarterback Andre Ware raised his hands in celebration as he was named winner of the Heisman Trophy.

Former University of Texas quarterback and Houston native Vince Young used Rice Stadium on Feb. 18, 2006, to prepare for the NFL combine. Young worked out on a rainy Saturday morning under the watchful eye of former NFL quarterback coach Jerry Rhome. less

Former University of Texas quarterback and Houston native Vince Young used Rice Stadium on Feb. 18, 2006, to prepare for the NFL combine. Young worked out on a rainy Saturday morning under the watchful eye of ... more

Photo: Steve Ueckert, Chronicle

Former University of Texas quarterback and Houston native Vince... Photo-1240297.17616 - Houston Chronicle

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Rice has defeated Texas only once since 1965, but the Owls' 19-17 victory over the Longhorns on a rainy Oct, 16, 1994, at Rice Stadium is a highlight to remember.

Rice has defeated Texas only once since 1965, but the Owls' 19-17 victory over the Longhorns on a rainy Oct, 16, 1994, at Rice Stadium is a highlight to remember.

Photo: Howard Castleberry, Chronicle

Rice has defeated Texas only once since 1965, but the Owls'... Photo-1240298.17616 - Houston Chronicle

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Rice Stadium, which was designed and built in 1950, is a recipient of the American Institute of Architects' 50-Year Award. The stadium originally had seating for 70,000 fans but has been scaled back to accommodate 47,000. However, the capability remains to expand the seating to its original 70,000 configuration. less

Rice Stadium, which was designed and built in 1950, is a recipient of the American Institute of Architects' 50-Year Award. The stadium originally had seating for 70,000 fans but has been scaled back to ... more

Photo: Nick De La Torre, Chronicle

Rice Stadium, which was designed and built in 1950, is a recipient... Photo-1240300.17616 - Houston Chronicle

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Rice freshman soccer player Anne Candee gets a workout on the Rice Stadium steps on Nov. 30, 2005. Candee scored 11 career goals for the Owls.

Rice freshman soccer player Anne Candee gets a workout on the Rice Stadium steps on Nov. 30, 2005. Candee scored 11 career goals for the Owls.

John Hudson, a co-captain on Rice's 1953 team, waves to the crowd during a halftime ceremony honoring his team, which won the 1954 Cotton Bowl by whipping Alabama 28-6. The ceremony was held Oct. 18, 2003.

John Hudson, a co-captain on Rice's 1953 team, waves to the crowd during a halftime ceremony honoring his team, which won the 1954 Cotton Bowl by whipping Alabama 28-6. The ceremony was held Oct. 18, 2003.

Former Boston College and later NFL quarterback Doug Flutie, left, tries to elude Jimmy Plante of Houston during the Celebrity Flag Football Challenge on Jan. 31, 2004, at Rice Stadium. The challenge benefited the NFL Alumni-Kids Charities. Plante won a spot on Andre Ware's team after winning a chili cookoff contest. less

Former Boston College and later NFL quarterback Doug Flutie, left, tries to elude Jimmy Plante of Houston during the Celebrity Flag Football Challenge on Jan. 31, 2004, at Rice Stadium. The challenge benefited ... more

Rice linebacker Joe Bob Thompson celebrates with his family at Rice Stadium after the Owls wrapped up a 27-17 victory over UTEP on Nov. 17, 2001. The Owls won all five home games that season and finished 8-4 overall. less

Rice linebacker Joe Bob Thompson celebrates with his family at Rice Stadium after the Owls wrapped up a 27-17 victory over UTEP on Nov. 17, 2001. The Owls won all five home games that season and finished 8-4 ... more

Rice Stadium contributed to the relief effort after Hurricane Ike. Here, a pair of Black Hawk helicopters depart the stadium parking lot on Sept. 14, 2008, after being met by ambulances to take patients to the Texas Medical Center in the aftermath of the devastating storm. less

Rice Stadium contributed to the relief effort after Hurricane Ike. Here, a pair of Black Hawk helicopters depart the stadium parking lot on Sept. 14, 2008, after being met by ambulances to take patients to the ... more

Feng (Michael) Li, originally from China, is accompanied by his wife, Yan F. Huang, and daughter Cynthia Li Huang, 21 months. as he is sworn in as a U.S. citizen. Feng Li, a project manager with NASA, was one of an estimated 1,240 people who underwent a naturalization ceremony at Rice Stadium on Oct. 4, 2008. The ceremony had been postponed because of Hurricane Ike. less

Feng (Michael) Li, originally from China, is accompanied by his wife, Yan F. Huang, and daughter Cynthia Li Huang, 21 months. as he is sworn in as a U.S. citizen. Feng Li, a project manager with NASA, was one ... more

Challenger Football, which was created in 2006 to give playing opportunities to players with various needs and disabilities, had about 150 Challenger football players, cheerleaders, and their Buddies participate in a Dec. 3, 2007, game at Rice Stadium. less

Challenger Football, which was created in 2006 to give playing opportunities to players with various needs and disabilities, had about 150 Challenger football players, cheerleaders, and their Buddies ... more

Photo: Joni Fichter, For The Chronicle

Challenger Football, which was created in 2006 to give playing... Photo-1240315.17616 - Houston Chronicle

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Rice's James Casey, left, runs a blocking drill for scouts against Army's Collin Mooney during Rice's pro day on March 26, 2009. Casey is now a tight end with the Houston Texans.

Rice's James Casey, left, runs a blocking drill for scouts against Army's Collin Mooney during Rice's pro day on March 26, 2009. Casey is now a tight end with the Houston Texans.

A colorful sunset drapes Rice Stadium on Aug. 20, 2010. Less than a month later, the venerable facility began its 61st season of football on Sept. 18. Read more on the stadium and Rice athletics and leave your best memories of the stadium in the Owls blog. less

A colorful sunset drapes Rice Stadium on Aug. 20, 2010. Less than a month later, the venerable facility began its 61st season of football on Sept. 18. Read more on the stadium and Rice athletics and leave your ... more